It had been hoped that the fences erected by Bath and North East Somerset Council on Thursday (April 6) would put an end to the dangerous behaviour.

But, just hours after the barriers were installed, another resident saw several teenagers climb over them and calmly walk across the bridge's arches in defiance of the council's attempt to protect their safety.

The resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "After I got home I was stood by my window having a cigarette when I saw some teenagers climb over the newly installed fencing to deter the teens who then proceeded to calmly walk over the arch.

"I quickly grabbed my i-Pad and took a picture of them climbing over the top.

"Clearly the fences have not done as they were intended. Maybe the bridge needs some spike strips over the lower curves to stop people climbing over it?"

No one from the council was available for comment today.

Teens spotted walking across the Destructor Bridge arch

There are concerns that a teenager may slip from the bridge and fall into the river, which has claimed 12 lives since 2005.

When the council installed the safety barriers, a spokesman said: "The council and site owners Crest Nicholson are extremely concerned to see these pictures, and immediate action to address this irresponsible behaviour is being taken.

"Crest Nicholson will also monitor the bridge in case of further incidents of trespass.

"We urge people not to attempt to climb on the Destructor Bridge as it presents a dangerous risk of serious injury or death – and we would encourage parents to discuss these safety concerns with their children."

A fence was erected at the Destructor Bridge after children were spotted climbing across the arch

The bridge connects the Upper Bristol Road with the Western Riverside Development, just further downstream from Midland Bridge.

It opened last December after it was built to replace the old 150-year-old bridge which closed in April 2013.